Police Officer Charles E. Porteus

Charles E. Porteus

Police Officer Charles Porteus was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver during a traffic stop at Atlantic Avenue and 81st Street.

During the stop a U.S. Navy private struck both him and the violator, killing both. The man fled the scene but was pursued, captured, and returned to the scene by a U.S. Navy Major. The suspect was charged with involuntary homicide by the military police and charged with hit-and-run and manslaughter by the local police.

Officer Porteus was a WWII hero who received three Silver Stars and a Purple Heart. He went from the rank of private to sergeant in his machine gun platoon. He was survived by his wife and three children.